Tyreke Evans offered Qualifying Offer making him a Restricted Free Agent

[Padrino]

I hear excuses every day when working where people are throwing another person under the bus. I assume it just strikes a chord with me. I am willing to see your side, that Smart was somehow not as good of a rotation man as 95% of the forum was. Ok, I will look at it that way... Evans wasn't used properly. I already agreed with that because I want him at SG, not SF, or PG (full time).

evans wasn't used properly, indeed. but it wasn't an isolated incident, though it was certainly the most egregious. poor ownership, management, and coaching decisions rendered the entire team ineffective. when you're a bad team short of assets in the kings' particular situation, you retain them and see how well they perform under considerably improved franchise conditions. it's really not that complicated...

at any workplace you're going to find that you do your job better when those above you are doing their jobs properly. but if your boss doesn't respect the hierarchy below him or above him, doesn't communicate with you effectively, gives you assignments at the last minute, puts you on a project just to pull you off it and place you on another, etc., you're going to get frustrated, and you're not going to perform up to your potential, because those directly above you haven't given proper consideration to maximizing your potential. they've made your life miserable instead. most kings fans would agree that the franchise was run incredibly poorly in the last several years with the maloofs as owners, geoff petrie as GM, and a fistful of morons as head coach. to not give due consideration to those conditions--at the most important levels of the organization--would be a terrible slight...

 

[Cecil]

you are aware that your whole theory breaks apart once Carmichael Dave turns out to be wrong, right?

I understand 100%. If he is wrong then Tyreke was part of Pete's plan. If he's right, Tyreke isn't. I just know he got the job for his vision for the Kings. I'm going to give him a few years to put his plan in place before I make comment like, the franchise is being run into the ground or whatever people are saying. I think it was it would be a major f... up.

To the guy who made the homework comment ... I've been watching every game for 20 years. Many of the things I think become true, some don't. Don't act like your opinion is the best and has been proved through history. Give me a break.


To Brick ... Kyrie is in another ability level than Tyreke. I agree with you on Love and Wall. Wizards and T-Wolves won't win with them as their best players.

Also, you guys act like the Kings plan is to rely on getting the number 1 pick next year. Come on....

 

[Spike]

I hear excuses every day when working where people are throwing another person under the bus. I assume it just strikes a chord with me. I am willing to see your side, that Smart was somehow not as good of a rotation man as 95% of the forum was. Ok, I will look at it that way... Evans wasn't used properly. I already agreed with that because I want him at SG, not SF, or PG (full time).

Well Gary, I take comfort in the fact that we've both thought Evans could do well, even though we've always argued on position. (Although I'm sure we both thought SF was a poor choice.)

This contract situation will be interesting, because I don't think it's as much about Evans as it about the new management. I think they have to match almost anything because of the message it sends to potential free agents: "the new guys wanna spend." Pair that with a purportedly savvy numbers guy in PDA, and I feel, if we have to, we can get out from under that contract if we have to, but we have to be able to show the ability to pay.

 

[Cecil]

at any workplace you're going to find that you do your job better when those above you are doing their jobs properly.

That's one of my points on why Evans isn't worth overpaying. He doesn't do any of the jobs (PG, SG, SF) properly to get the big money. I'm happy to keep Evans on the team knowing his role is to support Cousins. His pay should also reflect that role. If he isn't comfortable with it, I'm sure the GM will find someone who will.

EDIT: Oops.. misread your post. I thought you stated employees doing their job properly. My bad.

 

[Padrino]

The whole new owner, new GM, new coach ect..

new owner's a rookie. new gm's a rookie. new coach's a rookie. that's cause to make any reasonable fan nervous. it hardly qualifies as an "excuse." had the rookie owner brought in a veteran GM, a veteran coach, etc., there'd be less room for error, and less room for "excuses." but, because i can appreciate d'allesandro's and malone's respective resumes, they get the benefit of the doubt early on. that good will won't last forever, though. the nba's always been an experienced man's game, after all...

more importantly, i'd like to see you respond to the meat of my post. can you answer any of the questions i've posed in paragraph two?

 

[Spike]

Also, you guys act like the Kings plan is to rely on getting the number 1 pick next year. Come on....

Came from the same source, didn't it?

 

[Dime Dropper]

My unrealistic view? What pray tell is my unrealistic view again?

I'll take that as a no, then - you won't point out where Padrino is wrong.

I understand 100%. If he is wrong then Tyreke was part of Pete's plan. If he's right, Tyreke isn't. I just know he got the job for his vision for the Kings. I'm going to give him a few years to put his plan in place before I make comment like, the franchise is being run into the ground or whatever people are saying. I think it was it would be a major f... up.

To the guy who made the homework comment ... I've been watching every game for 20 years. Many of the things I think become true, some don't. Don't act like your opinion is the best and has been proved through history. Give me a break.


To Brick ... Kyrie is in another ability level than Tyreke. I agree with you on Love and Wall. Wizards and T-Wolves won't win with them as their best players.

Also, you guys act like the Kings plan is to rely on getting the number 1 pick next year. Come on....

So they should trade them? I have no idea why a team should trade its best players just because they're not LeBron/Kobe/Durant. This is amazing stuff!

 

[Padrino]

That's one of my points on why Evans isn't worth overpaying. He doesn't do any of the jobs (PG, SG, SF) properly to get the big money. I'm happy to keep Evans on the team knowing his role is to support Cousins. His pay should also reflect that role. If he isn't comfortable with it, I'm sure the GM will find someone who will.

i don't want to be presumptuous and claim that you're completely hopeless, but you've missed my point so thoroughly that i'm afraid i can't even prepare an adequate response given how little you've given me to work with on the argumentative front...

 

[Padrino]

Were closer on this, but I would have it at $8-10 mill. $10-12 would depend more on who is drafted and what other FA's they can get at a lower price.

Maybe Stern promised the fix for next years lotto if the team is in the bottom 6 teams.

well of course you'd prefer to lock up tyreke as cheaply as possible, but the market rarely gives a **** about what a front office prefers. point is, do you have faith that the kings' draft pick can effectively replace tyreke evans' clear all-star potential (career 18/5/5 with efficiency and additional room for improvement, and a clear drive to improve, insinuates that potential)? which player, in particular? do you have faith that the kings can sign a free agent at a lower price that has tyreke evans' clear all-star potential? which free agent, in particular? if not, why quibble over a couple million per? and if the contract is really that big of a deal, you continue to grow evans into his talent and trade him down the road (although, if he continues to expand his game at his present rate of improvement, he's clearly earned that extra couple of million a year)...

 

[sdballer]

That's one of my points on why Evans isn't worth overpaying. He doesn't do any of the jobs (PG, SG, SF) properly to get the big money. I'm happy to keep Evans on the team knowing his role is to support Cousins. His pay should also reflect that role. If he isn't comfortable with it, I'm sure the GM will find someone who will.

You're not offensive or obnoxious in your posts but you do seem to be woefully ignorant of how the league works. I know you mentioned you've watched the kings the last 20 years but have you watched much of what happens in the league?

There are three points you seem to really be missing. One, most young players need stable environments to develop and thrive. It's why the good organizations always seem to have low picks thrive while some of the repeat lottery guys watch young guys struggle to meet their potential. Two, small markets HAVE to maximize their actual assets more than salary cap space due to the difficulty in attracting free agents or in trading for stars. Finally, young talent costs money. Players of Reke's talent demand and get 9-12 M deals.

These are realities not excuses or beliefs. Pretending they don't matter because Vivek saved the kings is naive and silly.

 

[Cecil]

So they should trade them? I have no idea why a team should trade its best players just because they're not LeBron/Kobe/Durant. This is amazing stuff!

They don't need to trade them, but they need another better player if they want to win.

 

[Gary]

I'll take that as a no, then - you won't point out where Padrino is wrong.

You asked me a question and I was answering with my own. I don't think I have an unrealistic view of Evans. 23-27mpg at SG maybe 5-7 at PG and 5-7 at SF. As for his value 9-9.5mil a year PLUS a 4th year (4/38) which seems to be a sticking point with the new owners/GM per CD's tweet. My expectation of Evans is to keep working on that 3pt shot, and work on moving without the ball a bit better.

What's unrealistic about any of that?

 

[Cecil]

You're not offensive or obnoxious in your posts but you do seem to be woefully ignorant of how the league works. I know you mentioned you've watched the kings the last 20 years but have you watched much of what happens in the league?

There are three points you seem to really be missing. One, most young players need stable environments to develop and thrive. It's why the good organizations always seem to have low picks thrive while done of the repeat lottery guys watch young guys struggle to meet their potential. Two, small markets HAVE to maximize their actual assets more than salary cap space due to the difficulty in attracting free agents or in trading for stars. Finally, young talent costs money. Players of Reke's talent demand and get 9-12 M deals.

These are realities not excuses or beliefs. Pretending they don't matter because Vivek saved the kings is naive and silly.

I hear you and I agree with what you are saying.

You guys are also missing my point. I'm not going to overreact to letting Evans walk and I gave reasons why I don't think he is a big money player. My point is that I am not going to think the franchise is being run into the ground if Evans leaves because I'm sure that Pete has a plan to turn this team around. If Evans isn't part of the plan then there HAS to be a plan we will soon be aware of by other moves. Losing Evans isn't the end of the world to me or this team. Cousins is the man to build around at this time. You can't build it around Evans.

Again: our owner isn't some guy who was born into money like our previous owners. He is very successful by running organizations with top people in charge. Pete got the job, so has must have a 'doable' plan.

 

[carmichaeldave]

I'm always lurking

Amazing to me some of what is being directed at me. Assumptions made. I have thick skin, but I honestly care about this board and respect you all.

1. I have no agenda other than what's best for the team. And I don't have the answers or I'd be a GM.

2. I love Tyreke. I may have issues with his fit here, but I'd love nothing more than for him to thrive here as well. He was my weekly guest his rookie year. We gave him his "first" ROY trophy, complete with ceremony. I consider his guy Lamont a close friend. It's not personal, I'm not pushing.

3. I'm not the smartest grape in the bunch, but one guy said I'm great for the community but an idiot with on clue stuff. Really? I'd say I can more than hold my own. Fan always and foremost.

4. I am not advocating anything. I'm relaying what I'm hearing from sources on high. As I tweeted, always take it with a grain of salt. Of COURSE things could change. No one nails everything. Although, some here have said I have a laundry list of things I've been wrong about. Would love the examples. I think I've been far more right than wrong.

5. All that being said, the main thing that bothers me is insinuated motive. I share what I hear when it matters. I get nothing out of it. Followers on twitter? Whee. More listeners to my podcast? If you aren't listening by now, you won't. Throw what I say away if you must, that's totally your right. But when the messenger and his credibility gets attacked and ridiculed and insulted, I feel the need to log on and simply say why? Should I just never say anything I may or may not know? Jeez.

That being said, love you guys, go Kings, and yes- I'm a ding dong.

 

[Cecil]

i don't want to be presumptuous and claim that you're completely hopeless, but you've missed my point so thoroughly that i'm afraid i can't even prepare an adequate response given how little you've given me to work with on the argumentative front...

Yeah, I caught that. I skimmed your post and comprehended your point wrong. I edited the post. I should read posts by Bill Murray more carefully in the future.

But I get it. People tend to post on message boards with people they agree with. It's been a while that I've been on a message board. I didn't post on here much because I didn't agree with thoughts of many on here. Take care all, I hope Tyreke stays for what the kings offered, if not, I look forward to see Pete's plan to move on without him. I've enjoyed talking kings basketball here.

 

[sdballer]

I hear you and I agree with what you are saying.

You guys are also missing my point. I'm not going to overreact to letting Evans walk and I gave reasons why I don't think he is a big money player. My point is that I am not going to think the franchise is being run into the ground if Evans leaves because I'm sure that Pete has a plan to turn this team around. If Evans isn't part of the plan then there HAS to be a plan we will soon be aware of by other moves. Losing Evans isn't the end of the world to me or this team. Cousins is the man to build around at this time. You can't build it around Evans.

Again: our owner isn't some guy who was born into money like our previous owners. He is very successful by running organizations with top people in charge. Pete got the job, so has must have a 'doable' plan.

The point is that even if you don't think of Evans as the player some think he can be, he is a very valuable asset. Small, undesirable markets need to maximize assets. It's highly unlikely we could replace Evans with a similar talent.

I don't know where people get this idea that because the maloofs are gone, every decision is part of a brilliant master plan. Good business men regularly make crappy decisions. They just usually make more important good ones. They've certainly earned the right to some patience but I'm not going to just assume that a move I would despise under the old regime is suddenly brilliant with the new one.

 

[Jerichoholic]

I hear you and I agree with what you are saying.

You guys are also missing my point. I'm not going to overreact to letting Evans walk and I gave reasons why I don't think he is a big money player. My point is that I am not going to think the franchise is being run into the ground if Evans leaves because I'm sure that Pete has a plan to turn this team around. If Evans isn't part of the plan then there HAS to be a plan we will soon be aware of by other moves. Losing Evans isn't the end of the world to me or this team. Cousins is the man to build around at this time. You can't build it around Evans.

Again: our owner isn't some guy who was born into money like our previous owners. He is very successful by running organizations with top people in charge. Pete got the job, so has must have a 'doable' plan.

Really this comes down to an opinion of value and some of us just have differences there. Some like me think Tyreke is capable of becoming an every year all-star playing point guard or at least being the main ball handler if he is used correctly, that warrants a large contract. Others feel that we have already seen his best and he can be a solid defensive roleplayer and nothing more, of course that warrants a smaller contract.

The one thing that both sides have to understand though is the NBA marketplace, whether Tyreke can be an all-star or just a roleplayer we will have to overpay and right now there are no draft prospects or free agents willing to come here that are anywhere near his ability. So the choices are to potentially overpay Tyreke to keep him, use that money to overpay another lesser quality player, use that money to overpay a group of far lesser players, or simply save the money and use it on nobody. Which option sounds the best? At this point I'll take Tyreke.

 

[Gary]

2. I love Tyreke. I may have issues with his fit here, but I'd love nothing more than for him to thrive here as well. He was my weekly guest his rookie year. We gave him his "first" ROY trophy, complete with ceremony. I consider his guy Lamont a close friend. It's not personal, I'm not pushing.

SG... If that doesn't work then we look to move him. But we do resign him at 4/38, which would be an easy contract to move if we needed to. At least then we would get something for him.

It would be a disaster to put him back at PG imo, and SF was kind of a joke from my pov. I am not opposed to him playing either PG or SF as a part time kind of thing (a few minutes here or there) to spell other players or if the opposing lineup were to need him at either position for a few minutes.

 

[The Hammer]

I hear you and I agree with what you are saying.

You guys are also missing my point. I'm not going to overreact to letting Evans walk and I gave reasons why I don't think he is a big money player. My point is that I am not going to think the franchise is being run into the ground if Evans leaves because I'm sure that Pete has a plan to turn this team around. If Evans isn't part of the plan then there HAS to be a plan we will soon be aware of by other moves. Losing Evans isn't the end of the world to me or this team. Cousins is the man to build around at this time. You can't build it around Evans.

Again: our owner isn't some guy who was born into money like our previous owners. He is very successful by running organizations with top people in charge. Pete got the job, so has must have a 'doable' plan.

What exactly is big money though?

12 mil is really about the market value for the numbers he is putting up right now, defensive prowess included. This is outside of whether or not you think he'll improve or be better utilized even if his skills don't improve.

12 mil is simply what you have to pay in this league to have a player with that production. Now, maybe you don't think he's a number 2 guy on a championship team. Ok, fine, but a number 2 guy on a championship team usually is a max guy, so we'd need to get another max guy if we're gonna only pay Reke 10-12 anyway. If there's one thing we learned form his horrible mismanagement, is that he'll accept a lesser role in the offense. Of course it may not be the best use of him, but he won't get a bad attitude about it. So in that case, he's your number 3 guy on a championships team, and working on becoming a lockdown defender. However you slice it... that's what that costs. Not really sure why there's this much debate about this honestly. And again, this is aside from whatever "potential" he may still have in him.

I do agree that losing Evans isn't the end. But losing him, and/or losing him for nothing would just be dumb. Trading him... ok, well, if it's part of a plan, which I'm sure it would be, but... I'm just not a fan of it (unless it was such an obviously amazing trade for us, but I don't see how that happens right now.)

 

[Bosnian Diehard]

There is evidence that the team plays better without Evans, and I don't believe that people here know more about the Kings players and what they can and can't do than Westphal, and Smart.. Just saying.. You might have all this evidence, but the other side has evidence too and it's no reason to just blow off what they say.

Yes, but since tyreke was playing completely out of position, him allowing someone else who does play the correct position come in for him surely helped.

 

[Dime Dropper]

Amazing to me some of what is being directed at me. Assumptions made. I have thick skin, but I honestly care about this board and respect you all.

1. I have no agenda other than what's best for the team. And I don't have the answers or I'd be a GM.

2. I love Tyreke. I may have issues with his fit here, but I'd love nothing more than for him to thrive here as well. He was my weekly guest his rookie year. We gave him his "first" ROY trophy, complete with ceremony. I consider his guy Lamont a close friend. It's not personal, I'm not pushing.

3. I'm not the smartest grape in the bunch, but one guy said I'm great for the community but an idiot with on clue stuff. Really? I'd say I can more than hold my own. Fan always and foremost.

4. I am not advocating anything. I'm relaying what I'm hearing from sources on high. As I tweeted, always take it with a grain of salt. Of COURSE things could change. No one nails everything. Although, some here have said I have a laundry list of things I've been wrong about. Would love the examples. I think I've been far more right than wrong.

5. All that being said, the main thing that bothers me is insinuated motive. I share what I hear when it matters. I get nothing out of it. Followers on twitter? Whee. More listeners to my podcast? If you aren't listening by now, you won't. Throw what I say away if you must, that's totally your right. But when the messenger and his credibility gets attacked and ridiculed and insulted, I feel the need to log on and simply say why? Should I just never say anything I may or may not know? Jeez.

That being said, love you guys, go Kings, and yes- I'm a ding dong.

First of all, well done for coming on and posting! After all, it was your tweet that caused all the debate

I think people are just pissed off at the idea of not matching a reasonable offer for 'Reke, and perhaps given that it doesn't make much basketball sense to not match (damn double negative), they're suggesting that your source is wrong, or it's a smokescreen. Personally I have no idea if your sources are right - I do know that you're not lying about anything and I don't doubt that you like Tyreke. But I still hope your sources are wrong, or that the decision makers have a moment of clarity. Don't take anything personally, I don't think anyone here is attacking you - just questioning whether your info is legit, and to be fair, pretty much everyone gets questioned on whether their sources are legit, especially if it goes against what we believe to be common sense.

 

[Padrino]

What exactly is big money though?

12 mil is really about the market value for the numbers he is putting up right now, defensive prowess included. This is outside of whether or not you think he'll improve or be better utilized even if his skills don't improve.

12 mil is simply what you have to pay in this league to have a player with that production. Now, maybe you don't think he's a number 2 guy on a championship team. Ok, fine, but a number 2 guy on a championship team usually is a max guy, so we'd need to get another max guy if we're gonna only pay Reke 10-12 anyway. If there's one thing we learned form his horrible mismanagement, is that he'll accept a lesser role in the offense. Of course it may not be the best use of him, but he won't get a bad attitude about it. So in that case, he's your number 3 guy on a championships team, and working on becoming a lockdown defender. However you slice it... that's what that costs. Not really sure why there's this much debate about this honestly. And again, this is aside from whatever "potential" he may still have in him.

I do agree that losing Evans isn't the end. But losing him, and/or losing him for nothing would just be dumb. Trading him... ok, well, if it's part of a plan, which I'm sure it would be, but... I'm just not a fan of it (unless it was such an obviously amazing trade for us, but I don't see how that happens right now.)

indeed. i'm all for competing views via armchair gm talk, but the reality of the marketplace always rules, and in the nba, you have to overpay for talent, especially if you're a small market franchise. and here's the thing that kills me regarding those who undervalue tyreke evans: he's probably one of the few players of his talent level in this era of the nba that keeps his ego in check. there appears to be a loyalty in him, and a preference for a smaller market that you will not find amongst a great many lesser players who will command more money if you decide to let 'reke walk. so, you either overpay the guy who's already here, the guy who, by most accounts, wants to be here, and who has all-star caliber potential, or you go out and overpay somebody to come to sacramento who's chasing the money, has no love for the city, and may not even be able to sniff 'reke's existing production, much less his overall potential...

 

[Cecil]

Actually people did attack his credibility on reporting moves within the Kings organization. Even called him an idiot.

I remember listening to Dave when he broke that Webber got traded.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

First of all, well done for coming on and posting! After all, it was your tweet that caused all the debate

I think people are just pissed off at the idea of not matching a reasonable offer for 'Reke, and perhaps given that it doesn't make much basketball sense to not match (damn double negative), they're suggesting that your source is wrong, or it's a smokescreen. Personally I have no idea if your sources are right - I do know that you're not lying about anything and I don't doubt that you like Tyreke. But I still hope your sources are wrong, or that the decision makers have a moment of clarity. Don't take anything personally, I don't think anyone here is attacking you - just questioning whether your info is legit, and to be fair, pretty much everyone gets questioned on whether their sources are legit, especially if it goes against what we believe to be common sense.

Well said, Dime.

I love Dave. I just hope his sources are wrong, never questioned the legitimacy of them, or Dave's honesty, though. I know he wouldn't make it up.

 

[Fear the Putin]

There are pro's and con's with every player not named Lebron. With that being said, for those that won't offer him a certain amount of $, what is your alternative. That is the question that needs to be asked. Reke is a two-way player. We may not have seen him develop that jumpshot yet, but we have seen him play exceptional defense on an exceptionally horrible defensive team with major fractures in philosophy and environment. Size, strength, quickness that are UTILIZED on both sides of the floor. That is rare.

I know that we have a completely new ownership that brought in a positive outlook, a defensive minded coach, a proactive GM (though that is yet to be determined as I'm basing this mostly off interviews and testimonials), so having a wait and see approach when Reke is approaching free agency is pretty bad timing. However, this change of environment that the players are experiencing will do absolute wonders. I can't stress this enough. Reke will become an even better player. So, why risk losing him? Is that all we're going to do from now on? Rebuild, rebuild, rebuild? If he comes back with a $12 mil offer sheet...match it. That's market price and he will get better. He has a work ethic, a solid foundation from our ownership down, and the eagerness to be here and contribute.

 

[Gary]

Yes, but since tyreke was playing completely out of position, him allowing someone else who does play the correct position come in for him surely helped.

Do you consider "out of position" SG, and SF?

I consider it PG/SF ALTHOUGH he can play those positions for a few minutes here and there and I would be totally fine with it.

 

[Cecil]

the guy who, by most accounts, wants to be here, a.

Now that we are two seasons after the lock-out, I think that the player's contracts will become less in the open market. I think Evans and Jennings will be the first two to realize you don't just get 12 million because you are in the league and an above average player. The superstars will still get their money though.

I know a few people who bumped into Tyreke in public and from talking to them, he isn't loyal to Sac. He's going to follow the money. I don't blame him, I would too.

 

[Dime Dropper]

Now that we are two seasons after the lock-out, I think that the player's contracts will become less in the open market. I think Evans and Jennings will be the first two to realize you don't just get 12 million because you are in the league and an above average player. The superstars will still get their money though.

I know a few people who bumped into Tyreke in public and from talking to them, he isn't loyal to Sac. He's going to follow the money. I don't blame him, I would too.

What a load of absolute nonsense. Either you made that up, or the people you know are idiots. As if Tyreke would say anything about following money/related to Sac loyalty to a randomer who he "bumped into."

 

[Padrino]

Now that we are two seasons after the lock-out, I think that the player's contracts will become less in the open market. I think Evans and Jennings will be the first two to realize you don't just get 12 million because you are in the league and an above average player. The superstars will still get their money though.

I know a few people who bumped into Tyreke in public and from talking to them, he isn't loyal to Sac. He's going to follow the money. I don't blame him, I would too.

if there's one thing the nba owners have taught us all over the years, it's that they cannot be saved from themselves, no matter how often they restructure their collective bargaining agreement with the players. you will not see contracts for all-star potential talents decrease all that much while the salary cap level remains as high as it is (for the record, it's been about $58 million for the last five seasons, and is projected to increase to $62 million by '14-'15)...

oh, and by the way, "I know a few people who bumped into Tyreke" is about as useless a claim as your "eye test." he may very well follow the money, but if sacramento refuses to match, we'll never know exactly how loyal tyreke evans would have been. most accounts, from those close to tyreke and from those within the organization, have painted 'reke as a loyal young man of few words. he's congratulated the city of sacramento on keeping its team, he's appeared at numerous events and rallies, and he's always been gracious to the fans. that evidence is, to this point in time, a considerably more useful barometer than "a few people" that you claim to know, as if he's actually divulging his intentions to random individuals he "bumped into"...

 

[The_Jamal]

Obviously none of us know how much they value Reke. $8-9 mil range is super role player type of deal. Once we get above that, we're talking about a player who the franchise views as a major building block.

Market price shouldn't not matter whatsoever. The only thing that should matter is what our FO feels he is worth and if he fits the direction they want to take the team. If they believe in him as a future star and franchise player then you match any offer and move forward. If not, then you move on from him and go find a player who fits the direction you're taking the team.

Think of it like buying a car. Say you're offered a Mustang at a fair market price. But you just had a baby and buying a Mustang doesn't make any sense for your future or your family's future, nor do you have much interest in the Mustang. Do you still go purchase that Mustang because it's good deal? So instead of buying a Mustang, you invest that money into a mini-van, an investment that is smarter for your families future. ( Family=Kings, Mustang=Reke, Mini-van= Different player the Kings view as a better fit)